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Plus, the shows listed below are eligible for Create Your Own (CYO) subscriptions (excludes Center Stage designations, listed in italics). Choose only four or more series shows and get 10% off every seat; order 8+ shows and receive 15% off!
CYO subscriptions are available throughout the season.
For information on our Fixed Series packages that offer a 20% discount, please click here. You may also add other show tickets to your Fixed Series package and receive 20% off on every seat on your order! For additional tickets, choose from the titles listed below. (Excludes Center Stage designations, listed in italics)
To place your season subscription, download an order form here or please call the Performing Arts Tickets Office at 805/756-2787.
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The Met: Live in HD
THE MET: Live in HD
Co-Presented with Opera SLO
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Cohan Center
10:00am
Shown on Saturday mornings, this continuing season series presented in partnership with Opera San Luis Obispo will feature 11 high-definition transmissions to the Cohan Center large screen from the Metropolitan Opera’s stage in New York City. Encore screenings are on Sundays at 2 pm.
All tickets purchases are handled through the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office: www.pacslo.org; 805/756-2787
ANNA BOLENA (Donizetti)
Met Premiere Production
October 15, 2011
SIEGFRIED (Wagner)
New Production
November 5, 2011
SATYAGRAHA (Glass)
November 19, 2011
DON GIOVANNI (Mozart) ~ Encore
New Production
Sunday, November 27
RODELINDA (Handel) ~ Encore
January 8, 2012
FAUST (Gounod) ~ Encore
New Production
January 15, 2012
THE ENCHANTED ISLAND
(Handel, Rameau, Vivaldi et al)
World Premiere Production
January 21, 2012
GÖTTERDAMMERÜNG (Wagner)
New Production
February 11, 2012
ERNANI (Verdi)
February 25, 2012
MANON (Massenet)
New Production
April 7, 2012
LA TRAVIATA (Verdi) ~ Encore
April 22, 2012
Individual show sponsors include:
CF Buetow in memory of Charlotte Buetow
Phyllis & Robert Frank
Roy & Jane Gersten
Louis Robinson
Bill & Carol Rust
Cynthia & Jerrold Vest
Sally Young and Jane & Roy Gersten in memory of Bob Young
The Moca Foundation
The Neon Carrot Restaurant
TICKETS: $25 general public; $10 students, includes fees & parking. Multi-show discounts available.
World Music/Dance
Direct from Ireland
Celtic Nights
Journey of Hope
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Cohan Center
7:30 pm
The spectacular Celtic Nights Journey of Hope expertly weaves together thundering dance with the lilting, plaintive sounds of rich Celtic heritage to tell a stirring tale through a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary Irish songs.
Sponsored by Al & Patty Moriarty, Mitch & Marianne Wolf, Foundation for the Performing Arts Center in honor of Center Circle Members, Matrix Mobile Television, and Sea Crest Ocean Front Hotel
“No wonder this ‘un-missable’ two-hour spectacular has brought audiences to their feet all around the world!” ~ The Guardian
The Met: Live in HD
Co-Presented with Opera SLO
Götterdämmerung (Wagner)
New Production
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Cohan Center
9 a.m.
With its cataclysmic climax, the Met’s new "Ring cycle" – directed by Robert Lepage – comes to its ultimate resolution. Deborah Voigt stars as Brünnhilde and Gary Lehman is Siegfried, the star-crossed lovers doomed by fate. 9 a.m. screening.
Run Time: 6 hours, 24 minutes.
Two intermissions.
Sponsored by Louis Robinson
General admission/seating. Ticket prices include all parking and facility fees.
$25 General; $10 students with valid I.D.
Live Music/Concerts
Alex de Grassi
Sunday, February 12, 2012
3:00 pm
Alex de Grassi’s solo acoustic steel-string guitar pieces resemble orchestral overtures more than mere songs. A Central Coast favorite, de Grassi’s flawless control and sensitivity are striking, with a touch as exquisite as his lyricism. His personal approach is perfect for a Pavilion performance.
Sponsored by Frame Works and New Times
“de Grassi merges intricate finger-picking technique with an uncanny gift for melodic invention.” ~ Billboard Magazine
General admission seating
Pre-show lecture scheduled
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Speakers
CANCELLED
Frank Abagnale
Catch Me If You Can
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Cohan Center
7:30 pm
CAL POLY ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF SPEAKER DATE
Due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts with Mr. Abagnale, Cal Poly Arts must cancel this speaking engagement. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this might cause our patrons; we will try to re-schedule Mr. Abagnale's engagement here at Cal Poly for a future date.
Please contact the PAC ticket office at 805-756-2787 for ticket exchanges and/or refunds.
Thank you.
Comedy
NEW CURTAIN TIME
Young Frankenstein - 2:00 pm
The Mel Brooks Musical
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Cohan Center
2:00 pm
NEW CURTAIN TIMES: 2pm & 7 pm
The classic Mel Brooks movie is alive and heading our way with a monster-ously good time! Don’t miss this spectacular award-winning musical and a sensational cast delivering all your favorite moments from the film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers like “Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
Sponsored by Drs. Edwin & Janet Chen Hayashi, Dr. Howard & Stephanie Hayashi, and Joan Sargen
Additional support provided by the City of San Luis Obispo
“It’s Mel Brooks, the mad genius, for goodness’ sake, so of course you laugh!” ~ The Washington Post
On Stage
NEW CURTAIN TIME
Young Frankenstein - 7:00 pm
The Mel Brooks Musical
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Cohan Center
7:00 pm
NEW CURTAIN TIMES: 2 pm & 7 pm
The classic Mel Brooks movie is alive and heading our way with a monster-ously good time! Don’t miss this spectacular award-winning musical and a sensational cast delivering all your favorite moments from the film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers like “Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
Pre-show lecture scheduled.
Sponsored by Drs. Edwin & Janet Chen Hayashi, Dr. Howard & Stephanie Hayashi, and Joan Sargen
Additional support provided by the City of San Luis Obispo
“It’s Mel Brooks, the mad genius, for goodness’ sake, so of course you laugh!” ~ The Washington Post
Pre-show lecture scheduled
Pop/Rock/Vocals
Lorna Luft
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Cohan Center
7:00 pm
A star-turn tribute to the legendary Judy Garland, “Songs My Mother Taught Me” is a joyous celebration of Judy’s best work, lovingly performed by her daughter, the amazing Lorna Luft.
“Celebrating Mama’s ‘Rainbow’… Ms. Luft pulls out all the stops.” ~ New York Times
The Met: Live in HD
Co-Presented with Opera SLO
Ernani (Verdi)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Cohan Center
9:55 a.m.
Angela Meade takes center stage in Verdi’s thrilling early gem. Marcello Giordani is her mismatched lover, Ernani. All-star Verdians
Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto round out the cast. 9:55 a.m. screening.
Run Time: 3 hours, 54 minutes.
Two intermissions.
Sponsored by Francesca Fairbrother, Jane & Roy Gersten, and Barbara Murphy.
General admission/seating. Ticket prices include all parking and facility fees.
$25 General; $10 students with valid I.D.
Pop/Rock/Vocals
Los Lonely Boys
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Cohan Center
7:00 pm
One of America’s premier rock bands expands and enhances its trademark “Texican” rock sound in this acoustic concert filled with tight vocal harmonies, potent songs with unshakeable pop appeal, and masterful guitar work. Their latest "Rockpango" is said to be their most satisfying recording yet.
Special Guests: THE DUNWELLS
Sponsored by Ray & Coleen Mattison, Best Western Royal Oak Hotel, KPYG 94.9 FM, and New Times
“'Rockpango' confirms the notion that the Garza brothers know exactly what they want and how to get it, with a sound that is inviting, infectious, and inventive.” ~ All Music Guide
Pre-show lecture scheduled
World Music/Dance
Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Cohan Center
7:30 pm
The consummate glory, tradition, and national pride of Russia are on dazzling display with the incomparable Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble. The colorful spectacle features dozens of authentic performers on stage in a celebratory 20th Anniversary tour.
“The incomparable Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble lives up to its lofty billing in a brilliant show.” ~ Lincoln Star
More information about Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble »
Theatre
The American Place Theatre
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
by Junot Diaz
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Spanos Theatre
7:30 pm
Performed by Elvis Nolasco, The American Place Theatre’s “Literature to Life” stage presentation brings the delicately brutal words of best-selling author Junot Diaz to the Spanos stage with the story of how ~ despite endless taunting ~ the fantasy-world-obsessed Oscar remains true to himself.
“A generation of Americans is leaving reading behind. The American Place Theatre has an extraordinary program that is doing something about it.” ~ Meryl Streep
More information about The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao »
Comedy
The Second City
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Spanos Theatre
7:30 pm
Tina Fey. Steve Carell. Stephen Colbert. Martin Short. Ryan Stiles. Mike Myers. All great comedians, all alumni of the famed sketch and improvisation troupe, The Second City. Come see the current tour of tomorrow’s funniest phenoms!
Sponsored by Jim Sargen, Central Coast Mortgage Consultants, Courtyard By Marriott, SLO, and The CW
“Improv’s ‘Harvard.’” ~ VANITY FAIR
World Music/Dance
George Kahumoku, Jr.
Masters of Hawaiian Music
Friday, March 9, 2012
Spanos Theatre
8:00 pm
Multiple Grammy-winning Hawaiian music master George Kahumoku, Jr. brings the magic of the islands alive in the Spanos Theatre when he is joined by fellow award-winning musicians Dennis Kamakahi, “Uncle” Richard Ho’opi’i, and Bobby Ingano in a celebration of culture and song.
Sponsored by Claudia Gilbert, Gordon & Julia Held, and Holiday Inn Express at Cal Poly
“George Kahumoku, Jr. is a Hawaiian Renaissance Man.” ~ George Winston
Speakers
An Afternoon With
Rex Reed
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Spanos Theatre
3:00 pm
Always colorful and often controversial, film critic Rex Reed has been at the forefront of the cinematic industry for decades. The former co-host of the syndicated television show “At the Movies” and current film critic/columnist for the New York Observer will tell tales about film personalities that only a true Hollywood insider could know in the amusingly acerbic style for which he is famous.
Sponsored by San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
“In Hollywood, if you don’t have happiness, you send out for it.” ~ Rex Reed
Folk/Blues/Bluegrass
John McCutcheon
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Spanos Theatre
8:00 pm
McCutcheon is a powerful singer/songwriter and masterful storyteller. Johnny Cash called him “the most impressive instrumentalist” he had ever heard. One of the world’s foremost performers on the beautiful hammer dulcimer and master of a dozen instruments, McCutcheon will fill this evening with pure folk artistry.
Presented in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Folk Music Society.
“He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature.” ~ Washington Post
Contemporary Dance
Savion Glover
Bare Soundz
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Cohan Center
7:30 pm
Savion Glover keeps expanding the meaning of tap dance. He and two fellow tappers perform an homage to past jazz greats and “hoofers,” including Gregory Hines, Count Basie, John Coltrane, and Thelonius Monk. This impressive trio creates their own rhythm and melody section with their feet, accented only by humming vocals. And Savion’s solo truly defines the term “show-stopper.”
Sponsored by Dr. Dawn Starr & Family
“Glover’s rhythms permeate from within...with eyes closed and a smile on his face that expressed sheer joy in the music he was creating with his feet.” ~ Dance Informa Magazine
OPEN COMMUNITY TAP WORKSHOP
Wednesday March 21, 2012 - 1:30 pm
Free.
The Academy of Dance
3422 Miguelita Court, San Luis Obispo
For more info, contact Denise: 805/756-5914
Jazz
SFJAZZ Collective
Plays the Music of Stevie Wonder
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spanos Theatre
7:30 pm
In a nod to the profound influence over musicians of every stripe and on our culture overall, the eight-member all-star JAZZ Collective has created an expansive tribute to the prolific material of pop music icon, Stevie Wonder.
Antonio Hart – Alto Saxophone
Mark Turner – Tenor Saxophone
Avishai Cohen – Trumpet
Robin Eubanks – Trombone
Stefon Harris – Vibraphone, Marimba
Edward Simon – Piano
Matt Penman – Bass
Eric Harland – Drums
Sponsored by Dr. Elaine Yin, KCBX 90.1 FM, and Santa Maria Sun
“It takes a brave soul to tackle the music of Stevie Wonder. The… SF JAZZ Collective happens to contain eight of them.” ~ San Francisco Chronicle
Theatre
Aquila Theatre Company
Macbeth
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Spanos Theatre
7:30 pm
“Fair is foul and foul is fair” when Aquila Theatre brings its dramatic intensity back to the Spanos Theatre as they portray the chaotic world of William Shakespeare’s "Macbeth," where nothing is as it seems and men combat their own fates as madness threatens to envelop all.
Supported in part by funding from the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) and by the National Endowment for the Arts.
“The classics made relevant with superb acting and clever staging.” ~ The New Yorker
Pre-show lecture scheduled
Classical Music
André Watts
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Cohan Center
7:30 pm
Leonard Bernstein chose 16 year-old André Watts to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic. Since then, Watts’ illustrious five-decade career has taken him to concert halls around the world, making him one of today’s most celebrated performers. Join us for a program that will include Scarlatti's "Sonata in F minor" and "Sonata in A Major;" Haydn's "Sonata No. 58 in C Major;" Beethoven's "Sonata in D, Op. 10," and Liszt's "Etude de concert No.3."
Sponsored by Jeffrey D. & Sharon Armstrong, Foundation for the Center for Performing Arts in honor of Center Circle Members, and KCBX 90.1 FM
“Watts’ technique has gained in brilliance and strength, while his insights have become exquisitely penetrating and detailed.” ~ The New York Times
Pre-show lecture scheduled
The Met: Live in HD
Co-Presented with Opera SLO
Manon (Massenet)
New Production
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Cohan Center
9 a.m.
Anna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new production comes to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Piotr Beczala and Paulo Szot also star, with the Met’s Principal Guest Conductor, Fabio Luisi, on the podium. 9 a.m. screening.
Run Time: 4 hours, 8 minutes.
Two intermissions.
Sponsored by The Neon Carrot Restaurant
General admission/seating. Ticket prices include all parking and facility fees.
$25 General; $10 students with valid I.D.
Pop/Rock/Vocals
Bettye LaVette
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Spanos Theatre
8:00 pm
When the Kennedy Center honored legendary rockers The Who in 2009, 63 year-old Bettye LaVette belted a moving “Love Reign O’er Me.” Using that night as a late-life career catapult, LaVette now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation’s most vital soul singer.
Sponsored by Marty Claus & Chip Visci and KCBX 90.1 FM
“LaVette has exquisite taste in songs and…wrings every bit of meaning from their lyrics.” ~ Entertainment Weekly
Pre-show lecture scheduled
Family
Ken Waldman & The Secret Visitors
From Cal Poly to Kodiak
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Spanos Theatre
3:00 pm
Fiddler, poet, and raconteur Ken Waldman’s variety shows are Alaska’s answer to a certain beloved radio program out of Minnesota.
In a story-telling music fest created just for us, Ken will be joined by ace West Coast old-time band, the Brainstormers, featuring Tom Sauber, Patrick Sauber, Mark Graham; by Oakland fiddler, singer, and guitarist, Ray Bierl; by the duo of banjo player and clogger, Evie Ladin, with visionary body percussionist, Keith Terry; as well as additional special guests.
Sponsored by Clayhouse Wines
Supported in part by funding from the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) and by the National Endowment for the Arts
“Waldman’s been compared to Garrison Keillor, and the comparison fits.” ~ Times of Acadiana
Classical Music
California & Montreal Guitar Trios
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Spanos Theatre
8:00 pm
Featuring guitar virtuosos from four countries, this “six-by-six-string phenomensemble” explores intricate original compositions as well as new arrangements of progressive rock, jazz, classical, and world music.
Sponsored by Jay & Carol Devore
“Marrying passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humor, (the Montreal Guitar Trio) at once charmed the ears of seasoned critics and captured the hearts of their audiences.” ~ Canadian Guitar Festival
“(The California Guitar Trio) displays impeccable credentials as all-purpose eclectics…specializing in a classical-rock fusion that sounds like New Age music with teeth.” ~ Nashville Scene
Pre-show lecture scheduled
The Met: Live in HD
Co-presented with Opera SLO
La Traviata (Verdi)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Cohan Center
2 p.m.
In her first Violetta at the Met, Natalie Dessay will put on the red dress in Willy Decker’s stunning production. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo and Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont. Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium. Encore screening: 2 p.m.
Run Time: 3 hours, 12 minutes.
One intermission.
Sponsored by The Neon Carrot Restaurant
General admission/seating. Ticket prices include all parking and facility fees.
$25 General; $10 students with valid I.D.
World Music/Dance
blue13 dance company
Bollywood Delicious
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Cohan Center
8:00 pm
America’s premier contemporary Indian dance ensemble ~ renowned worldwide for its unparalleled artistry and commitment to authenticity and colorful theatricality ~ offers up an entirely new flavor with their Bollywood Delicious burlesque. A tasty tongue-in-cheek treat! (Adult content)
Sponsored by Embassy Suites Hotel
“blue13 dance company (pushes) the envelope (with) a little bit of Bollywood, a little bit of Hollywood, and a whole lot of soul!” ~ Buzzline.com
Classical Music
Catalyst Quartet
Sunday, May 6, 2012
3:00 pm
The Catalyst Quartet, comprised of top Laureates and alumni of the internationally-acclaimed Sphinx Competition, is committed to bringing hidden music into the mainstream. In classic CQ style, their diverse afternoon concert will deliver great big works and fresh new pieces, just waiting to be discovered.
Sponsored by Popolo Café & Catering
“Invariably energetic and finely burnished…playing with earthy vigor.” ~ New York Times
General admission seating
Forbes Pipe Organ Recital
Paul Woodring
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Cohan Center
3:00 pm
Paul Woodring, Cal Poly’s resident University Organist and Curator of the Forbes Organ, will perform a program including music by Bach, Mendelssohn, and Vierne, as well as a transcription for solo organ of Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf," which will be narrated by a surprise guest.
Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes and Maryellen and Michael Simkins in honor of “Bompa”
Comedy
Martin Short
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Cohan Center
7:00 pm
The many faces and voices of comic superstar Martin Short have been finely honed on “Saturday Night Live,” in comedy clubs, feature films, and on Broadway. In this rare special evening, Short shares his side-splitting tales and tunes, amazing talent, and sharp comic timing.
Sponsored by K-Jewel 1400 AM and KSBY TV
“No one is any one thing. “ ~ Martin Short